Tag Archives: Moving

Checklists can be tedious and overwhelming…but, for a big task like moving, you’re going to want one! Here are some ideas, tips and tricks that we have for a less stressful and more enjoyable move.

Two Months Before:

1. Research

Start investigating moving companies. The best idea is to pick a few top companies and request an on-site estimate. You want to make sure that your estimate is in writing from the company you choose and has a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) number on it.

2. Sort & Get Rid Of

Go through every room of your house and decide what you want to keep, and what you don’t need anymore. Do NOT pack things that you know you’re not going to keep. We recommend donating your clean items that you don’t need anymore (get a receipt for your taxes). Also, consider any items in your house that may need special packaging or extra insurance coverage- make a note of those items.

3. Take Measurements

Check room dimensions at your new home. If you know some of your furniture won’t fit, try selling or donating it. If possible, try to decide if larger items will fit out your doorways. If you know you have large items that may be difficult to fit out the doorway, make sure you mention this to the moving company right away.

4. Create a Moving Binder

A lot of people skip this step. But, we recommend it to keep everything organized. Use a binder to keep track of everything during your move- every estimate, your receipts and an inventory of all the items you’re moving.

5. Organize School Records (if you have children)

Go to your children’s school and arrange for their records to be transferred to the new school district.

Six Weeks Before

1. Order Supplies

Order boxes, packing tape, permanent markers and bubble wrap. Don’t forget to order special containers for items like clothing. You can even order colored stickers to keep everything simple. For example: every red sticker=kitchen, every orange sticker=master bedroom, etc…

2. Start Using Up Supplies

Use up perishable food items that you won’t be moving. Also, consider using up cleaning supplies that are hazardous to pack.

One Month Before:

1. Confirm Arrangements With Mover

Make sure you confirm your move date, costs and other details with your mover of choice.

2. Begin Packing

Start by packing items you don’t use often. This may be some kitchen supplies (the griddle or blender) or decorations. While packing, make note of items that have a higher value (over $100). Note this to your mover in writing & save a copy for your records. Make sure to wrap every item in bubble wrap.

3. Label

Clearly label each box with a number, and write what is inside the box. This is where the sticker idea also comes into place! We recommend writing the room the items will be going to (kitchen, master bedroom, living room, etc.…). This also keeps an inventory of your items. If there are fragile items in one of the boxes, write this large and bold on the outside. Make sure you pack a box of essential items for things you will need right away.

4. Separate Valuables

If you have special jewelry or paperwork, pack a personal box that you will take with you- consider taking a safe with you.

5. Do a Change of Address

Go to your local post office and fill out a change-of-address form. You can also go to USPS and fill it out online.

6. Notify Important Parties

Alert the following of your move:

Post Office

Veteran’s Administration

IRS

Social Security

Pension Plan

Draft Board

Health & Hospital Insurance

Vehicle Registration

Driver’s License

Schools

Library

Newspapers & Magazines

Banks & Financial Companies

Credit Cards & Charge Accounts

Stock Broker

Housecleaning Services

Doctor, Dentist, Optometrist, Chiropracter

Lawyer

Locksmith

Electric, Gas, Garbage, Internet, Telephone & Cable Services

Appliance Service

Fuel

Water Treatment

Landscaper & Snow Removal

Two Weeks Before:

1. Tune Up

Take your car to a garage and ask the mechanic to consider different services if you’re moving to a new climate.

2. Remove Contents From Safe-Deposit Box

Place in the safe you are taking with you.

3. Contact the Moving Company

Re-confirm all moving arrangements.

One Week Before:

1. Refill Prescriptions

Stock up on prescriptions you’ll need during the next couple of weeks.

2. Pack Your Suitcases

Aim to finish your general packing a few days before the actual move-out date. Pack a suitcase for everyone in the family with essential items, clothes for a few days, and any valuables you don’t want on the moving truck- place valuables in the safe you’re taking with you.

A Few Days Before:

1. Defrost the Freezer

Only if your refrigerator is moving with you! Make sure that it is cleaned out and defrosted at LEAST 24 hours before moving day.

2. Plan the Payment

If not arranged prior, make sure you know whether you are paying your mover with a credit card, a cashier’s check, or cash. Remember to tip the moving company if they’ve done a good job (10, 15 or 20%). If your move is especially difficult, tip each mover up to $100 and make sure to provide refreshments. – Of course, this is all personal preference.

Moving Day:

1. Verify

Make sure that the moving truck that shows up matches the company you hired. The USDOT number on the side of the truck should match the USDOT number on your contract. Scams are possible.

2. Take Inventory

Before the movers leave your house, sign the bill of inventory and keep a copy for your records. Put in your moving binder!

For any questions you may have, please feel free to reach out to our team.

Thinking about relocating to the “Land of 10,000 Lakes”? Minnesota is a great place to call home. But, before you move, we decided to throw in some fun facts about the beautiful state.

1. 10,000 Lakes- Means More Like 11,000!

Minnesota has around 11,000 lakes with 90,000 miles of shoreline. This is more shoreline then that of Hawaii, California and Florida combined! Join some crazy Minnesotans for the Polar Bear Plunge into the cold water during the winter, play some ice hockey, go skating, or go boating and fishing during the warm months.

2. We are Home to the Mall of America

The famous Mall of America is the size of 78 football fields. It has over 8 acres of skylights to allow natural light into the Mall. The mall offers 25 different rides and attractions, Sea Life (a large aquarium), Lego Land, The American Girl Doll Store, Mini Golf, a mirror maze, and 520+ different and unique stores. This famous attraction generates nearly $2 billion in economic activity for the state of Minnesota.

3. Move Over Starbuck’s- We’ll take Caribou Coffee

Caribou Coffee is famous in the Minnesota, and you can find one of these cozy coffee shops on

almost every corner throughout the Twin-Cities. Caribou uses real chocolate in their drinks, and

with cozy fireplaces, they are the perfect location to visit in the cold winter months!

4. Vikings Vs. Packers- It’s a Love/Hate Relationship

The two bordering states have a “my state is better than your state” attitude. Whether over sports teams, restaurants or weather, there is always an argument for who does it better. Both states are full of opposite state born residents.

5. Downtown is Impressive

There are two great downtown areas in Minnesota. One is Saint Paul (the capital), and the other is Minneapolis. They are neighboring cities, receiving the famous label “The Twin Cities”. Minneapolis’ skyway system connects 52 blocks of buildings downtown!

6. Our State Fair is Large- and we Fry Everything!

We are famous for cheese curds, fried fruit, fried candy bars, and everything (fried) in between. Our state fair offers a large variety of fried food, and food on a stick. If this isn’t your thing, there are plenty of fun stands, rides, and performances.

7. Minnesota Winters are Cold, but They Can be Fun!

Minnesota winters are cold, and messy… In fact, the winter of 2014 was ranked one of the worst winters, in over thirty years! The average temperature in Minnesota this past winter was 9.7 degrees Fahrenheit. Many days fell below 0, with the windchill making the temperature feel even colder.

However, winter can also be fun! There are many great ski and snowboard resorts, ice fishing activities, skating rinks and… who doesn’t love to warm up with a bit of hot chocolate by the fire?

8. Thank Minnesota for Target

We are home to wonderful and great Target. We even named our baseball field, “The Target Field”!

“the stereotypical behavior of people born and raised in Minnesota to be courteous, reserved, and mild-mannered. The cultural characteristics of Minnesota nice include a polite friendliness, an aversion to confrontation, a tendency toward understatement, a disinclination to make a fuss or stand out, emotional restraint, and self-deprecation“

Pretty awesome. We know. To add to this… Minnesotans Have Great Accents

You’re welcome for Prince and Bob Dylan…We have proudly birthed some of musics greatest artists. Minnesota also has a great music scene with many great music festivals.

If you are thinking about moving to Minnesota, and have specific questions about relocation, please give us a call at 651-269-3487. You can also email us at Sandy@SandyErickson.com We would love to send you over a relocation package!